A SOLON AFFIREMS THE PHILIPPINES’ FAVORABLE INTERNATIONAL POSITION ON WPS DISPUTE

A House member defended the administration’s actions in dealing with China’s aggression, such as joint military exercises with the United States and other foreign troops, increasing the number of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, and purchase of missiles and submarines.

Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores said that the nations that came to our aid or our support actually came here on their own volition, emphasizing that external support aligns with the Philippines’ position on the WPS issue.

He added that they were not requested by the Philippine government. They came here to support us because they see that our position is the right position to take.

As regards concerns over the increase in EDCA sites and the procurement of military assets, Flores defended these actions as essential for self-defense. 

Flores pointed out that there is nothing wrong in defending ourselves and there is also nothing wrong in preparing to defend ourselves, that’s why these exercises are conducted.

(He added, “Sa akin wala namang mali na that’s happening right now, for as long as we do not take the aggressive role siguro and defensive lang tayo. By protecting our rights, it doesn’t mean we have to go to war. It just means that we have to stand our ground also.”)

For his part, Surigao Del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Jose "Bingo" Matugas clarified that the procurement of submarines is part of the ongoing AFP Modernization Program. 

Matugas said the purchase of submarines is not a new development but rather a continuation of the modernization efforts initiated by previous administrations. 

“I think it’s not a new thing. Ang ginagawa lang ng AFP natin is sinusunod ‘yung AFP Modernization na na-approve po dito sa House and also in the Senate,” Matugas explained.

Flores and Matugas were also reacting to a recent statement by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, wherein the senator questioned the WPS policy of the Marcos administration following the President’s rejection of his proposal to use water cannons against Chinese vessels.

In defending the administration, Gutierrez emphasized the need to distinguish between escalating tensions and preparing for self-defense in the context of the WPS dispute.

Drawing on the diplomatic strategy of China, Gutierrez highlighted the importance of maintaining a multilateral approach to address the issue. 

“They want it to be a conversation between China and the Philippines. Ayaw po nila na may ibang parties pa na that would either support or guarantee ‘yung position of one or the other,” Gutierrez explained.

He underscored the Philippines’ role as part of the international community, advocating for alliances with foreign powers to bolster its position in the dispute. 

“They are now also supporting us in this preparation of defense,” Gutierrez said, referring to the collaboration with foreign allies in the AFP modernization efforts.

Gutierrez reiterated that the purchase of military assets, including submarines, is part of the AFP modernization program and is independent of specific foreign policy issues. 

“This is also independent of international foreign policy… the AFP is modernizing and prepared to defend ourselves,” he clarified. (END)

——— MULA SA KAMARA DE REPRESENTANTES, TERENCE MORDENO GRANA, NAG-UULAT PARA SA ARMED FORCE RADIO, BOSES NG KAWAK PILIPINO ————— This is Terence Mordeno Grana, reporting for AFP Community News, One AFP for Stronger Philippines.